Publications

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is implementing the Support to Electoral Reforms in the Western Balkans project to support institutions and civil society in their efforts to follow-up on election observation recommendations. The project scope covers the areas related to election management, voter registration, the role and work of the media during election campaigns, the ability of parties and candidates to freely campaign and the capacity and independence of electoral dispute resolution bodies.

The mandate of the OSCE Presence in Albania is to promote democratization, the rule of law, and human rights as well as to consolidate democratic institutions in line with OSCE principles, standards and commitments.

In order to monitor and improve the work of all electoral bodies in Montenegro, especially the State Election Commission, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro conducted a public opinion poll on public perceptions and public confidence in electoral bodies in Montenegro.

The Handbook, prepared by the State Election Commission (SEC) of the Republic of North Macedonia and the OSCE Mission to Skopje, aims to increase voters’ knowledge on local self-government, bodies that are elected at local elections and specifics about the local elections. The Handbook provides brief and simple information on the role and competencies of mayors and municipal councils, the right to be elected, the electoral models used for election of a mayor and municipal council, election campaign, and financing local elections. Additionally, it offers an overview of the basic principles of democratic governance and opportunities for citizens’ participation in a decision-making process at local level after the elections. Not available in English.

In this brochure, the Handbook for voters "What Is Local Government and How It Is Elected" has been transformed into Easy-to-Read Format, in order to make it accessible to the people with learning disabilities and a wider audience. The Brochure, prepared by the State Election Commission (SEC) of the Republic of North Macedonia and the OSCE Mission to Skopje, aims to increase voters’ knowledge on local self-government, bodies that are elected at local elections and specifics about the local elections. The handbook provides brief and simple information on the role and competencies of mayors and municipal councils in North Macedonia, the election process. Not available in English.

The Handbook, prepared by the State Election Commission (SEC) of the Republic of North Macedonia and the OSCE Mission to Skopje, aims to increase voters’ knowledge on local self-government, bodies that are elected at local elections and specifics about the local elections. The handbook provides brief and simple information on the role and competencies of mayors and municipal councils in North Macedonia, the right to be elected, the electoral models used for election of a mayor and municipal council, election campaign, and financing local elections. Additionally, it gives an overview of the basic principles of democratic governance and opportunities for citizens’ participation in a decision-making process at local level after the elections. Not available in English.

The Informative Brochure for Young Voters presents the content of Manual for Young Voters, prepared by the State Election Commission (SEC) of the Republic of North Macedonia and the OSCE Mission to Skopje, in an easy-to-read format. It aims to present the information related to the political and electoral participation of youth in the country, why elections and voting are important for young women and men, the significance of inclusive elections and instructions for the voting process in format accessible to the people with learning disabilities. Not available in English.

The Manual, prepared by the State Election Commission (SEC) and the OSCE Mission to Skopje, aims to encourage political and electoral participation of youth in the country. It explains the models and bodies for youth political participation; why elections and voting are important for young women and men and the significance of inclusive elections. The publication also provides step-by-step instructions for the voting process. The Manual was initially published in 2020. This is second edition amended in accordance with the most recent changes of the Electoral Code. Not available in English.

An essential part of election processes are election campaigns, in which candidates compete for voter support. During election campaigns political actors energize society, invigorate and mobilize the electorate, but at the same time these are periods when fundamental freedoms are put to the test. Election campaigns provide an opportunity for all election stakeholders, including the authorities, political parties and voters, to demonstrate respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights.

Online social networking sites have moved election campaigns into a new era of communication, in which voters have wider channels to express their opinions. While social networking sites provide space for voters to enhance their direct participation in campaigns and enable electoral contestants to better mobilize support, the use of social networks, especially during election campaigns, carries a wide array of challenges.